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Published on: February 14, 2014
Characteristics of Older Defendants Referred for Forensic Evaluations
Susan Hatters Friedman1, Boaz Competente2, Jeremy Skipworth2
1Dr. Friedman is the Phillip Resnick Professor of Forensic Psychiatry, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, and Honorary Associate Professor of Psychological Medicine, Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Competente is a House Officer, Waitemata District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Skipworth is Consultant Psychiatrist, Mason Clinic Regional Forensic Psychiatry Services, Auckland, New Zealand, and Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. Dr. Worrall is Consultant Psychiatrist, Auckland District Health Board, Auckland, New Zealand, and Honorary Academic at the University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand. sjh8@case.edu.
Abstract:
This study aimed to provide a descriptive analysis of the geriatric forensic population referred to a Regional Forensic Psychiatric Service by the court for evaluation (as inpatient, outpatient, or while incarcerated) in New Zealand, over a 7-year period. Data were collected retrospectively from forensic hospital records, including court-ordered reports for those aged 60 and older. Two-fifths (42%) of the 97 referred study subjects were diagnosed with some form of cognitive impairment such as dementia. The majority had a prior history of offending. Two-fifths (39%) were facing sexual charges, and one-third (33%) violent charges. Over one-quarter (28%) of the elderly sample was found unfit (incompetent) to stand trial. A better understanding of this group is needed to ensure forensic assessments and health and social services meet their various psychiatric needs.
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